Salary: $44,000 annually
Schedule: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Stamford and Norwalk, CT, with one day per week (and training as needed) in Bridgeport, CT. Travel throughout Fairfield County is required.

Why Work for CIRI?

Embark on a fulfilling career with the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI), where you'll find more than just a job—you'll find purpose.

As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful Mission: Help refugee and immigrant families build successful new lives while supporting children and youth as they adjust to their new schools and communities.
• Professional Growth: Work alongside a passionate, collaborative, and culturally diverse team committed to learning and innovation.
• Community Impact: Build lasting relationships with students, families, schools, and community partners while helping shape brighter futures for children and youth.
• Supportive Environment: Join an organization that values compassion, inclusion, teamwork, and trauma-informed practices.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Position Summary

CIRI is seeking a compassionate, organized, and energetic Children and Youth Services Coordinator to lead year-round programming for refugee children, youth, and families through the Refugee School Impact Grant, with a primary focus on serving Ukrainian families.

This position plays a vital role in helping newly arrived students successfully transition into U.S. schools by working closely with families, educators, school administrators, and community partners. Responsibilities include coordinating school enrollments, supporting students' educational and social-emotional adjustment, developing youth programming, managing summer learning opportunities, and helping families navigate the U.S. education system.

The Coordinator will work closely with CIRI's Refugee Services team to ensure children and youth have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive both academically and personally.

Primary Responsibilities

Student & Family Support

• Assist newly arrived refugee students and families with school enrollment and orientation.
• Serve as a liaison between families and school districts to support successful educational outcomes.
• Help families understand the U.S. education system, including school expectations, parent-teacher conferences, report cards, graduation requirements, and post-secondary opportunities.
• Facilitate communication between families and schools, including arranging interpretation when needed.
• Support children and youth as they adjust to new schools, cultures, languages, and communities.
• Collaborate with Case Managers, Health & Wellness staff, and community partners to address educational and social-emotional needs.

Youth Programming

• Coordinate and implement year-round educational and enrichment programming for refugee children and youth.
• Plan and oversee CIRI's summer learning program, including logistics, curriculum coordination, volunteers, transportation, meals, and daily operations.
• Support after-school and community-based programming, including homework groups, youth clubs, leadership opportunities, and educational field trips.
• Develop programming that helps teenagers and young adults explore college, trade schools, apprenticeships, career pathways, and workforce development opportunities.

School & Community Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with local school districts, educators, guidance counselors, and administrators.
• Provide education and support to schools on the experiences and needs of refugee students and families.
• Participate in community outreach events and collaborate with local organizations to expand opportunities for children and youth.

Documentation & Program Reporting

• Maintain accurate client records, case notes, and service documentation.
• Enter timely data into CIRI's client database.
• Track program outcomes and prepare reports required by grant funders.
• Support ongoing program evaluation and quality improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Human Services, International Studies, Anthropology, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience working with children, youth, and families, preferably within refugee, immigrant, multicultural, or human services settings.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations and the ability to provide services with empathy, respect, and cultural humility.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience using client databases is a plus.
• Reliable transportation, a valid U.S. driver's license, and current automobile insurance are required.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for programs and community events.
• Fluency in Ukrainian or Russian is strongly preferred.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is passionate about helping refugee children and families succeed, enjoys building relationships across cultures, and thrives in a role that combines education, community engagement, program coordination, and advocacy. If you're excited about making a lasting impact in the lives of children and youth, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

CIRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and valued.